Archaeologists uncovers the most important Ancient Egyptian artifact in the middle of the slums

The ancient Egyptian civilization was one of the most prominent and influential early civilizations in mankind’s history. In fact, the early Egyptians were one of the most advanced civilizations in the ancient world. Many historians and archaeologists devote their lives to studying and deciphering ancient Egyptian mysteries and secrets. In a 2017 report by NBC News, a recent archaeological discovery provided another missing piece of the country’s rich history.

A joint Egyptian-German expedition uncovered a 26-foot statue of who appears to be of the great Pharaoh Ramses II who came into power more than 3,000 years ago. The statue was submerged in ground water and had to be lifted by a forklift.

Archeologists discovered the statue near the ruins of the Great Pharaoh’s temple in the ancient city of Heliopolis. This place believed to be the birthplace of the Sun God and is now located in the slums of Eastern Cairo.

Egypt’s Antiquities Minister dubbed this phenomenon as of the most important discoveries in archeological history.

Meanwhile, Dr. Salima Ikram of the American University in Cairo described the recovered artifacts as spectacular and astonishing.

“(the discovery is) crucially important because it is basically rescue archaeology of one of the most important religious places in ancient Egyptian history.”

Along with the great ruler’s image, they were also able to recover a life-sized statue of Pharaoh Seti II. It measures 31 inches in length and made entirely of limestone. Pharaoh Seti II is the grandson of Ramses II.

Egyptians revered Ramses II for his military expeditions that helped expand the Egyptian Empire. His descendant refers to him as “The Great Ancestor.” Consequently, Ramses II founded Heliopolis this is why archeologists believed that the giant statue was his.

At the time of reporting, archaeologists planned to locate the remaining pieces of Ramses II’s statue. Experts said they would restore the statue once all of its pieces are recovered and house the statute at the entrance of the Grand Egyptian Museum.